Chapter 14: The Broken Bridge

Above West Lake, mist and rain blurred the view, and the Broken Bridge lay quietly across the water, as if whispering tales of a thousand years. Xu Xuan held an oil-paper umbrella and slowly stepped onto the bridge. His gaze was tinged with melancholy, his thoughts drifting back to the times he had spent with Xiaobai and Xiaoqing. These days, he had been cultivating in East Sea Bay, yet he could never forget those two women.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze swept by. Xu Xuan lifted his eyes to see two familiar figures appearing at the far end of the Broken Bridge.

Xiaobai still wore her white robes, ethereal like a fairy descending to earth, her features refined and graceful, her eyes filled with warmth and surprise. Xiaoqing donned a vibrant green outfit, lively and playful, her eyes sparkling brightly.

“Xu Xuan!” Xiaobai called softly, her voice trembling with restrained excitement.

Xu Xuan quickened his pace, joy lighting his eyes. “Xiaobai, Xiaoqing—it really is you!”

Xiaoqing giggled. “Xu Xuan, at last we meet again.”

Xiaobai stepped forward, scrutinizing him carefully. “Xu Xuan, you look… more composed now.”

Xu Xuan smiled gently. “These days of cultivation have brought many trials and much growth.”

Curious, Xiaoqing asked, “Xu Xuan, what level have you reached in your cultivation?”

“I’m still at the Qi Refining stage,” Xu Xuan replied, “but I’m steadily working to improve.”

Xiaobai nodded thoughtfully. “Qi Refining is the foundation; one must not rush the process.”

The three stood on the Broken Bridge as the raindrops fell like a fine curtain of pearls around them. Xu Xuan gazed at Xiaobai and Xiaoqing, his heart heavy with emotion. “I often think of the days we shared—those memories flow within me like the waters of West Lake.”

Xiaoqing patted Xu Xuan’s shoulder playfully. “You really are sentimental, aren’t you?”

Xiaobai cast a teasing glance at Xiaoqing. “Stop teasing Xu Xuan.”

Xu Xuan asked, “Xiaobai, Xiaoqing, how have you both been these days?”

Xiaobai answered, “We have been cultivating as well, traveling to many places. There is so much wonder in this world, but also great danger.”

Xiaoqing added, “Yes, once we encountered a fierce demon that nearly trapped us. But Sister Xiaobai’s magic drove it away.”

Xu Xuan’s heart tightened. “Did you get hurt?”

Xiaobai shook her head. “No, Xu Xuan. Don’t worry. We have our own strengths.”

At that moment, ripples spread across the lake beneath the bridge.

Looking at the water, Xu Xuan suddenly said, “Xiaobai, Xiaoqing, I hope we can travel together in the future, watching out for one another. I know my power isn’t strong enough yet, but I will do my best to protect you.”

Xiaoqing’s eyes sparkled. “Yes, yes! That way, we can be like before.”

Xiaobai looked at Xu Xuan, her eyes touched with emotion. “We understand your feelings, Xu Xuan. But the world is ever-changing—we must all be cautious.”

The rain gradually ceased, and sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting its glow upon the Broken Bridge.

Xu Xuan, Xiaobai, and Xiaoqing stood together, their shadows stretched long in the light, as if heralding the new journey they were about to embark upon.

They all knew hardships and dangers lay ahead, but as long as the three of them stood united, they would have the courage to face whatever the world might bring.